By Timothy Mulranen
When it comes to the subject of my vocation, something I often say is it would not have been the same if it were not for my Catholic school experience. My vocation was nurtured in many different ways and by varying experiences, but I feel the influence of Catholic school helped pave the way for a proper discernment of the priesthood.
I spent 11 years at Saint Margaret Regional School in Woodbury Heights, and then I spent four years of high school at Paul VI in Haddonfield. Prior to entering seminary, I was fortunate to attend Neumann University in Aston, Pa., for one year. Sixteen years of Catholic school has made me realize the gifts and talents I have, which I hope are going to be used as a priest to serve Jesus and His Church.
When every child goes to school, they naturally learn what skills and talents they have and discover what area of study that their talents and gifts may be best utilized. In my experience, the subject of religion made me realize that theology is my strong suit. If I had attended public school, then I may never have discovered this truth. Yes, the faith was taught at home, but Catholic school allowed me to learn how to apply the faith in the world. It would be fair to conclude that if I never attended Catholic School, I would have never realized this gift at that early age.
As a child, I always loved going to Mass with the school community, in both grade and high school. I was able to enrich my faith as I began to know Jesus personally through prayer in school. This contributed, at least in part, to the realization that the priesthood was where God was calling me.
Overall, Catholic school helped me fall in love with Jesus in the Holy Eucharist because it allowed me to be nourished with Christ’s body and blood more frequently than just on Sundays. In order to grasp discernment fully, one must receive Christ in the Holy Eucharist, since God always reveals his plan for people through His Son, Jesus. The Eucharist must be at the center of every discerner’s heart in order to discover this truth. In my own experience, Catholic school allowed that to happen!
Again, it could have been more difficult for me to discern the priesthood if I was not in Catholic school. I am grateful for the sacrifices my parents made in order for me to have these experiences in Catholic school for 16 years. It is a sacrifice, no doubt, but it is so worth it in the end.
Looking back, it is impossible to put a price on the experiences I had during my time in Catholic schools!
Timothy Mulranen is a seminarian for the Diocese of Camden.
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